Know Lanugo, Fine Hair in Newborns

Seeing a baby born with thick hair will provide happiness for parents. However, what if fine hair also grows on other body parts, such as the back, arms and legs? This fine hair is commonly referred to as lanugo. Lanugo is fine hair that grows on the body of the fetus while still in the womb. The pigmented lanugo (colored) usually starts growing when the fetus enters the age of five months (around the age of 19 weeks). By the time of birth, some of this fine hair will fall. But in some cases, fine hair can still carry over until the baby is born. In general, lanugo functions as a protector of the fetus so it is not submerged in amniotic fluid, regulates fetal body temperature, protects the fetus's body, and makes it easier for waxy substances (vernix) to stick to the fetus's skin. Lanugo is more commonly seen in babies born prematurely.

Is Lanugo in infants curable?

Basically, the appearance of fine hair in babies is not a medical condition to worry about. The reason is, this condition is the biological response of the fetus while in the womb. Lanugo growth in babies is not something that requires special medical care. The baby will naturally drop fine hair several days or weeks after birth. Keep in mind, rubbing baby skin overgrown with lanugo is not an effective way to remove fine hair. If this is still done, it can cause the baby's skin to become reddish, dry, and peeling. Let the small hairs on the little body disappear by itself. However, if fine hair appears around the spine, immediately consult a pediatrician. It might not be lanugo, but rather a sign of a more serious neurological disorder.

Lanugo in Adults

If fine hairs still grow in some parts of an adult's body, this could be a sign of a more serious health condition. Excessive growth of fine hair on an adult's body is known as hypertrichosis lanuginosa. This condition is characterized by the growth of fine hair around the eyebrows, forehead, ears and nose of adults. Most causes of hypertrichosis lanuginosa in adults are not known with certainty. This condition is often associated with certain medical conditions, such as malnutrition, eating disorders (anorexia), hyperthyroidism, HIV / AIDS, genetic disorders, and cancer. Besides being related to the disease, this condition is also thought to be caused by the production of excess hormones in cancerous tissues and the side effects of certain drugs, such as cyclosporin, phenytoin, interferon, spironolactone, and corticosteroids. Treatment given depends on the severity of patients with hypertugosis lanuginose and its causes. Some common treatments that can be done, such as:

• The use of eflornithine cream

The use of this cream aims to slow down excessive hair growth.

• Waxing method

Waxing can also be used as an alternative to removing fine hair on an adult's body. However, before doing so, consult your dermatologist.

• Laser dermatology medote

This method is often used to remove tattoos and remove birthmarks. In addition, the laser method is also known to remove fine hair that grows in adults.

Patients with hypertrichosis lanuginosa caused by nutritional deficiencies, will disappear by itself after undergoing nutritional therapy and special dietary recommendations from a nutritionist. However, if fine hair on the body does not go away, immediately consult your dermatologist. The doctor will conduct a complete medical examination to find out exactly the cause of the growth of fine hair on your body.